Where you'll be:
Join VOC on a trip to Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area, nestled along the Colorado River in Mesa County. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, this location draws people from far and wide with its rambling hiking trails, prime birding spots, and abundant wildlife sightings along the river.
What you'll do:
Become a steward of the land as you participate in the vital task of transplanting willows along the Colorado River. Over time, this region has experienced significant bank loss, with up to 50 feet or more eroded away. Using loppers, volunteers will propagate and transplant willows to mitigate further erosion, contributing to the restoration of the riverbank.
Enjoy breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own lunch (BYOL). Free campsites are available on Friday night and Saturday night, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.
Why it's important:
The stabilization of the riverbank is important for the ecosystem's well-being because it ensures consistent irrigation for wildlife food plots, alfalfa fields, and cottonwood galleries. The designated foot-traffic-only area at this end of the property is home to eagle nests, deer, turkey, and various other wildlife species that depend on natural resources. The loss of the riverbank has already led to the disappearance of essential irrigation ditches (both dirt and concrete) and has increased the need for new access roads. The building of new roads every few years also detrimentally impacts the surrounding habitat.
Your involvement in this project will play a pivotal role in sustaining and nurturing the delicate balance of this wildlife-rich landscape. Join us in this conservation effort and make a lasting impact on the habitat of Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ages 14+
Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older on overnight projects.
Project Difficulty:
There are tasks on this project that range from easy and moderate to difficult. Please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Accessibility Factors:
Vehicle accessibility: 2WD Accessible
Other notes: Hiking to the work site is required, and you will be working on the river bank, which can be steep and uneven.
Join us in making a positive impact while reducing your carbon footprint! Register yourself for our upcoming project and take the eco-friendly route by carpooling with fellow volunteers.
Click here to sign up for the carpool (please do this after registering for the project).
